This morning I didn’t feel like doing anything. It’s a combination of exhaustion from a few days of hard work and preparation for a group coaching event we’re hosting for our Getting Back to Happy Course students, and a lack of sleep with a sick 7-year-old in the house.
I couldn’t motivate myself to do anything important, which is a rare occurrence for me. I just felt completely drained. I started overthinking things and doubting myself, and wondering whether anything I do is worthwhile.
I sat there in this funk for nearly an hour and wondered how to snap out of it. Should I just forget about today? Should I just give up on this project in front of me, because I’m not as good at it as I thought I was?
That’s what I was considering, at least for a fleeting moment. But the better part of me knew this mild state of depression would soon pass. And just as I started to feel better, a neat bit of synchronicity arrived in my email inbox from Gina, a new course student Marc and I have been coaching over the past few days. The opening lines of her email read:
“I feel so drained, so uninspired. I’m stuck again! My mind is spinning with worry and overwhelm and just a general lack of enthusiasm. Anything you could share? What’s something small I could reflect on and try to remember when I’ve lost my motivation?”
With our student’s permission, I’m answering her inquiry publicly because I know we all need a good reminder in this area sometimes—heaven knows I needed one this morning, too.
While there are many approaches to momentary self-motivation, reflecting on and learning from other people’s stories is paramount. The right story at the right time can move us at our core. Fortunately, the nature of the work Marc and I do as personal development coaches and authors allows us to hear these kinds of stories from clients, students and readers on a daily basis. So, this morning, that’s exactly what I was reflecting on when Gina emailed me. And right now, with full permission from the original sources, I want to share powerful snippets from some of these stories with you.
What follows are super short but incredibly focused accounts of real life, real struggle, and the inner resilience of the human spirit. There’s definitely something inspiring here for all of us to think about, and tap into, when we need an extra dose of motivation:
- “Today marks a full year that I’ve been eating right and working out daily. This time last year I weighed 301 pounds. When I saw my weight on the scale at the doctor’s office I knew it was time for a change. Now, after a year of exercising my will power, and using no dieting pills or gastric bands, or anything artificial, I went back to the doctor’s office for my annual check-up. “172 pounds,” my doctor said. “You know, your positive lifestyle changes just added roughly 10 years to your life expectancy.” My 11-year-old daughter, who came with me, grabbed my hand and said, “I look forward to spending those extra years with you, mommy.”
- “The drummer in our local jazz band, Nick, is legally deaf, and has been since he was born. But he can still hear low bass tones and feel the vibrations from the drums and other instruments. Honestly, he’s such an incredible drummer, most people don’t believe he’s deaf. Sometimes I can’t believe it myself.”
- “This morning, on my 47th birthday, I re-read the suicide letter I wrote on my 27th birthday about two minutes before my girlfriend showed up at my apartment and told me, ‘I’m pregnant.’ She was honestly the only reason I didn’t follow through with it. Suddenly I felt I had something to live for. Today she’s my wife, and we’ve been happily married for 19 years. And my daughter, who is now a 21-year-old college student, has two younger brothers. I re-read my suicide letter every year on my birthday as a reminder to be thankful—I am thankful I got a second chance at life.”
- “I got my acceptance letter and full scholarship to MIT last week. Now my single mother can use the money she’s been saving diligently for the past 18 years from working three jobs, almost every single day, to give herself the better life she deserves.”
- “Today, my company employs 47 intelligent, hard working individuals and turns a net profit of nearly $5 million a year. I started this company 11 years ago after I was laid off by IBM. If they hadn’t laid me off, I might still be working in a shared cubicle at IBM’s headquarters.”
- “Last night, like he has numerous times over the past three years, my grandfather proposed to my grandmother who has Alzheimer’s and sometimes struggles to remember who he is.”
- “At four o’clock this morning I awoke to my daughter calling my name. I was sleeping on a sofa chair in her hospital room. I opened my eyes to her beautiful smile. My daughter has been in a coma for exactly 99 days.”
- “My chemo therapy is making me lose chunks of my long strawberry-blonde hair—a physical attribute I’ve always believed made me attractive. This afternoon I had a cute male nurse shave my head because my hair has become incredibly patchy. As I was tearing up because it was hard seeing the rest of my hair fall to the floor, the nurse bent down in front of me and sincerely said, ‘Gosh, you have the most beautiful eyes.’”
- “It’s been exactly 15 years since I had just a few bucks to my name and could not buy my daughter pens and paper for school. A local charity stepped in and bought her school supplies and clothes. Now my daughter has graduated from Yale, started a successful business, and I work for her. And I’m donating money to that same charity to pay the kindness forward.”
- “Last week I interviewed a motel housekeeper in Miami Beach for a side project I’m working on. ‘Do you like your job?’ I asked. To my surprise, she smiled from ear to ear and was breathless for a couple seconds. She finally collected herself and said, ‘I can’t believe how much I love my job! I get to make dozens of our guests happy every day and feed my two beautiful children at the same time.’”
- “A 9-year-old patient of mine will be undergoing her 12th surgery in the past two years to combat a rare form of cancer. Even after all the surgeries I’ve never seen her frown. She’s still 100% sure she’ll survive. And I’m certain her attitude is the primary reason she has survived to this point. She still laughs and plays with her friends and family. She has intelligent goals for the future. A kid like her who can go through everything she’s been through and come out smiling is the reason I wake up and work hard every day.”
- “I recently found an old hand-written note my 86-year-old mom wrote when she was just a junior in college. On it is a list of qualities she hoped she would someday find in man. The list is basically an exact description of my dad, whom she is still married to today, and whom she didn’t meet until she was 39.”
- “I’m a struggling musician, and a bit of a loner based on my ongoing struggles with depression. I always thought my music career would take me farther than it has. After a local concert this evening, a teenage boy walked up to me, shook my hand and then hugged me. He said, ‘Thank you.’ ‘For what?’ I asked. ‘I’ve been really stressed out lately. Let’s just say I’m not one of the popular kids at school. But I have something I look forward to every day. When I get home from school, and no one is home, I put your two albums on shuffle and sing along as loud as I can,’ he said.”
- “Ten years after I had six miscarriages in a row and was told I would never have kids—that my uterus was incapable of holding a baby past twelve weeks—I sat in my 8-year-old son’s bed this morning to wake him for his birthday. Just sitting there, breathing with him, and knowing that I have my very own version of miracle makes me want to make the best of whatever comes my way, every single day.”
- “The homeless man who used to sleep near my condo showed up at my door this afternoon wearing the business suit I gave him over a decade ago. He said, ‘I have a clean home, a good job, and a family now. Ten years ago, I wore this business suit to all my job interviews. Thank you.’”
- “Today, my 18-year-old autistic son, Kevin, played guitar and sang every single word, flawlessly, to a song he wrote for his girlfriend (who is also autistic). He did it in celebration of their two-year dating anniversary. His girlfriend’s smile lit up the room. And although my son struggles with a severe speech impediment, he has been practicing for this every single day for the past year, and it paid off beautifully.”
- “Yesterday, after completing eight straight months of depression rehab at a live-in treatment center, I spent my first day out with my five-year-old daughter. We sat on my parent’s front porch all day making construction paper collages. The sight and sound of my daughter’s laughter and the simple pleasures of cutting construction paper and peeling Elmer’s glue off our hands are the best reminders I’ve had in eight months of why I’m choosing life.”
- “I sat down with my two daughters, ages six and eight, this afternoon to explain to them that we have to move out of our four-bedroom house and into a two-bedroom apartment for a year or two until I can find another job and build our savings back up. It’s a conversation I’ve been avoiding for over a month, as I’ve struggled with the doubts and regrets of not being able to provide a financially stable household for us. But my daughters just looked at each other after I told them, and then my youngest daughter turned to me and asked, ‘Are we all moving into that apartment together?’ ‘Of course,’ I immediately replied. ‘Oh, so no big deal then,’ she said.”
- “My dad is a blind cancer survivor. He lost both his eyes when he was in his early thirties to a rare form of cancer. Despite this, he raised my sister and I, and took care of my mom who was in and out of rehab for alcoholism and depression. My mom is a fully recovered alcoholic now, my sister and I have graduated college, and my parents are still together and back to being happy. I’m certain none of this would have been possible if my dad hadn’t been such a resilient, positive force in our lives. My dad’s inner strength literally lifted our family up in its darkest hours.”
- “At 8 A.M. this morning, after nearly four months of lifelessness in her hospital bed, we took my mom off life support. And her heart continued beating on its own. And she continued breathing on her own. Then this evening, when I squeezed her hand three times, she squeezed back three times.”
- “My grandpa keeps and old, candid photo on his nightstand of my grandma and him laughing together at some party in the 1970’s. My grandma passed away from a heart attack in 1999 when I was 14. This evening when I was at his house, my grandpa caught me staring at the photo. He walked up, hugged me from behind and said, ‘Remember, just because something doesn’t last forever, doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth your while.’”
Essential Daily Reminders to Think About, Too
I sincerely hope the stories above motivated you think better about your present circumstances. But, perhaps some of them also reminded you of how you’re falling short. If it’s the latter, I want you to take a deep breath.
We all need our own time to travel our own distance.
And right now, you just need to keep peaceful, productive thoughts and perspectives centered in your mind, as you take things one step at a time…
- Don’t waste your energy fighting against where you are. Invest your energy into getting to where you want to go. Let go of everything from the past that does not serve you, and just be grateful it brought you to where you are now—to this new beginning.
- Don’t fall back into your old patterns of living just because they’re more comfortable and easier to access. Remember, you left certain habits and situations behind for a reason: to improve your life. And right now, you can’t move forward if you keep going back.
- You may not be responsible for everything that happened to you when you were younger, and you may not be responsible for everything that happened to you yesterday either, but you need to be responsible for undoing the thinking patterns these circumstances created. Blaming your past for a limiting mindset does not fix it. Change your response to what you remember.
- When you look back on your past, think of the strength you gained, and appreciate how far you’ve come. It hasn’t been easy. You’ve been through a lot. But you’ve grown a lot too. Give yourself credit for your resilience, and step forward again with grace.
- Too often we spend our time waiting for the ideal path to appear. But it never does. Because we forget that paths are made by walking, not waiting. Now is the time! And no, you shouldn’t feel more confident and motivated before you take the next step. Taking the next step is what builds your confidence and motivation, gradually.
- Love what you do, until you can do what you love. Love where you are, until you can be where you love. Love the people you are with, until you can be with the people you love most. This is the way we find happiness, opportunity, and peace in the long run. (We discuss this in more detail in the “Happiness” chapter of “1,000 Little Things”.)
- Ultimately, it’s about letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. At the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. Life is good.
Your turn…
Before you go, let us know:
Which story or point above resonates the most with you right now?
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
JoAnn says
Even when days are long and I feel like I’m losing my mind…and my motivation to push forward, my top strategy for coping is to do the very best I can, one tiny step at a time as you’ve taught me. This is undoubtedly the most important principle I’ve picked up from your getting back to happy course and coaching (although there are several others too) – it’s a life strategy — a healthy ritual — I use almost every single day of my life.
So, I really appreciated the reminder that mentioned, “Taking the next step is what builds your confidence and motivation, gradually.”
Thank you, as always!
Linda says
I agree with JoAnn.
I’ve been struggling with bereavement since last May when my husband died after 18 months of cancer treatment.
I know I spend too much time thinking about what to do next but not actually doing it. I know I need to get outside more, rather than hibernating in the February chill, but I don’t do it. At least, not until I read about ‘taking the next step , to build my confidence’!
So …. when I’ve typed this I shall wrap up warm and go for a short walk in the winter sunshine, instead of merely thinking about it.
Thanks for inspiring me!
K.C. says
I really resonate with that first story. I’ve lost nearly 70 lbs in the past year, myself. The journey has been anything but easy and I’ve lost my motivation so many times, but its great to be reminded that I’m not also.
Also, I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone and attending your next Think Better Live Better conference and signing up for some coaching before then, so your point about taking a step forward before you feel confident makes complete sense to me right now. Looking ‘nervously’ forward to it! 🙂
Peter Wesley says
Your post today hit my email inbox at the perfect time. My mind has been in the gutter so far today to say the least.
Anyhow, I appreciated all the story snippets and the tips at the end, but I deeply resonated with the final snippet about the grandfather looking at the old photo of his late wife. Endings, even sad endings, can be appreciated. I often struggle with that concept, and I REALLY needed that reminder today. Thank you.
Jem says
And it’s something I have to agree with. I’ve had 4 deaths in my family last year, surprisingly none of them from Covid. It was just time to pack up ad move on, I guess. It’s been hard coping with the loss .. but the line from the last story – ‘Remember, just because something doesn’t last forever, doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth your while.’”
Rang a bell (more like a gong) for me. So true. 🙂
Azaria says
This is absolutely beautiful to read, Marc and Angel. I’ve signed up to your weekly email sessions and subscribed to your course in the middle of the pandemic. I honestly feel blessed to have you work in my toolbox for weekly therapeutic sessions. Everything in this article rings bell to my ear, for I relate to each bullet points. I’m very grateful to you two. Thank you for your selfless spirits and energy in sharing wisdom you’ve gained through the years and experiences of your own. I get speechless and can’t find the words to fully express how this article in particular has touched me. But I’ll sum it to a simple BIG THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Azaria
From Toronto, Canada
Rose Marie says
Couldn’t have said it better.
Cheryl Willis says
I look forward to your emails. There is a lot of stress in my life right now and I am continually looking for ways to cope. I appreciate the strategies and stories you both share . Thank you.
Maria says
I am grateful every day for your emails. Yesterday was my birthday. I was leaving my office when the man who broke my heart drove by me and we made eye contact. I wound up being behind him and watched as he turned to pull into the parking lot of a store. I wanted so much to follow him and talk to him but I didn’t. He is in a relationship with someone else. I thought I would be okay but when I woke up this morning after a restless night it hit me and I felt so lonely. Your email again helped ground me. Day by day, small step by step, I will persevere. God Bless! See you Thursday with big smiles and joy.
Sincerely,
Maria
Cheryl says
Thank you! Story #21 – “Remember, just because something doesn’t last forever, doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth your while.” helped, and I didn’t know I still needed to hear that. And your comments: “don’t fall back into your old patterns,” “too often we wait for the path to appear,” and “love where you are now” are exactly what I need to hear and focus on today. I can’t thank you enough.
RIC Bauer says
Thank you for reminding me of many things, one of the most important take-always for me: “Thank God that time is constantly carrying us forward with change, to a place of renewed perspective, when we encounter those days when we have not the vision or strength to move forward ourselves. It is those times when we must rely on the most powerful gift we all have, the power and promise of “imagination”, the fuel of life that powers our engine, given to us us, and refilling our tanks with the promises of life on a daily basis. A parked car is easy to drive. A moving one, only a little more difficult, but oh what an empowering difference in the view!
Lynn says
I agree with all the above in Cheryls comments! Waiting on the perfect path that is supposed to be walked. I just need to start! needed this today! Thanks!
Aileen says
#8 hit me right between the eyes. My husband shaved my head on Saturday for the same reason….chemo took most of it away. But when I went shopping afterwards, wearing my new wig, a sweet cashier at Walmart (who had no idea of my situation) said “You have the most beautiful smile”. What a sweetheart she is, huh? People can be the best when you need them the most.
Catherine says
What encouraging stories, thank you for those.
Here’s another one for you. Some years ago, I was working as a teaching assistant at a very rough school in a very deprived area in the city. It was hard to get any of the teenage students to regularly attend the school, let alone ‘special needs lessons’ because they didn’t want to be seen as ‘thickos.’ The students lived such difficult and dangerous lives, school was very unimportant in the general chaos of their lives.
One very hot, airless, summer afternoon, I was working with a teacher, also my friend, Alex. We were teaching a group of the dyslexic and struggling readers. I can’t remember the subject but we were teaching them some English grammar rule- “I before E except after C” or something like that. We tried and tried everything we knew to help them learn but they didn’t understand- all they wanted was for the bell to ring and to run out of school to their friends.
After the lesson, Alex and I stood by the whiteboard as the children rushed out. We were in despair. She said, “I don’t know, whatever I try, they don’t understand. What else can I do?” I sympathised, not knowing what to say.
Then we realised one of the teenage students was standing nearby, waiting for us to stop talking. We turned to him.
“Do you need something, Lee?” Alex asked.
“I just wanted to say to you Miss. And Miss,” he said, nervously smiling. “Thanks for teaching me that rule, I really understand it now. So I just wanted to say thank you.”
Our eyes filled with tears and we could hardly speak, we just managed to say, “you’re welcome,” to him.
And he went out of the classroom, looking like he’d won a prize.
Sometimes the long, hard struggle to teach things makes an impact.
corinne says
I have always been the strong one, the one who has soldiered through a difficult childhood, the death of an adult child and health issues that have changed my life. Cumulative losses and life stresses have driven me to losing the joy in life, to barely existing. Up early with my coffee and my computer, your email could not have come at a better time. I have been struggling with how to deal with more and more life stresses. Each story built my perception of how one copes despite circumstance. Your summary statement “YOU need to be responsible for undoing the thinking patterns these circumstances created” rather summed up my disjointed thinking. There are somethings I can change about Me. The rest will fall in place as it will. Thank You. I really needed some clarification this morning.
Clive Sparks says
Story 20, without a doubt impacted me the most. My partner and I sat with my Mum in a Hospice bed watching her battle with cancer and scream in pain so many times. I had to go outside several times to just break down as seeing Mum in this pain was emotional torture.
I would have given anything for those three squeezes, but, no, in one final bout of pain, it took her from our world. I’m sure that I’m here to help people, yet being there was all I could do.
JI. says
That was all she needed.
Bless you for that and the privilege also.
Paula says
Thank you. Loved these stories and points!!! And the resilience of the dad who sadly lost sight…what a brave and wonderful soul.
Bill T. says
Thank you. My life has been a real struggle and in a seemingly downward spiral over the last four years despite recovering from a near-fatal motorcycle accident, getting over the death of a girlfriend to cancer, quitting drinking, losing almost 50 lbs, and quitting an unfulfilling 30-year career.
This morning I openly wondered if it was time to stop this 62-year struggle. Then I read your post. Synchronicity. Everything happens for a reason. Thank you.
I still have a great amount to do in a very short period of financially-constrained time, but I won’t quit. Thank you.
Liz says
I am really struggling with mild to moderate depression right now and your post here reminds me to hang on and keep trying. I know I am not alone. Thank you.
Koren says
Liz,
You are not alone. Sending hugs.
Tricia says
I needed this today more than ever. I can relate to so many of the stories, I had goosebumps reading many of them. I am in a blah part of my life following the pandemic; I am 45, married to my second husband, no children (multiple miscarriages, years of infertility before giving up and then getting a divorce.), a good job (that I love), financially secure (for the first time in my whole life), 50 pounds over weight, we have 5 rescue dogs and I am always blah.
I should have no complaints but….My life is stale.
I’ve always had ‘career’ goals and I have met them all. I am a workaholic and just recently cut my hours in half for the work/life balance and I realized…I don’t have a life! My husband has a life… hobbies and things he enjoys (on his own) and I sit and wait to be entertained. I have never had self motivation except in my career. I try to turn to health/exercise instead of work but, something internally stops/blocks me every time. Instead I sit and watch others live their life.
We are coming to your next Think Better, Live Better in 2022 and I am so excited already if you can believe it!!
Cherrie George says
I loved today’s message. It was perfect timing for me. I’m 58 years old (soon to be 59), holding down a full time job managing two senior centers; trying (unsuccessfully) to work a new home-based business; caring for both of my parents who are in the early-mid stages of alzheimers; and trying to decide whether or not to end my 2.5-year relationship with a man who has two young children (10 & 11) because my life is demanding enough without having to live with their chaotic and totally disorganized lifestyle. Did I also mention I’m OCPD?
I needed to read your 21 stories and, even more, need your Essential Daily Reminders to Think About, Too. I’ve printed them out and will be reading them over and over again for inspiration, motivation and STRENGTH.
Thank you.
Ann C says
Thank you to those who struggled, learned, and moved on and then shared their stories so others could do the same and not feel alone. Marc and Angel your posts move me so often and I feel so blessed at times that I feel guilty but then I remember feeling guilty does no one any good so I say a gratitude prayer and try to find someone I can help. God bless you and your work.
Gene says
I can relate to many of these stories. I am sorry for everyone’s plight.
It did make me think that one small step at a time is the way to go.
I relate to Tricia’s comment/story above too. Today I felt so lost and thinking that my life is such a waste. I have worked through some health issues with the last hurdle of Prostate cancer to fight. I have no room to complain for I have less pain than others. Sometimes I wish God would answer my prayers but I know that I must do my part and work out my depression. I see much hope in this email.
Chaitanya says
Angel, thank you so much for these wonderful words of wisdom.
To pick my favourite is difficult but the tip at the bottom reminding us to be responsible for changing the thinking patterns that past circumstances have created. I think if i can manage that i will become much better person with a clearer mindset.
Thanks once again to you and Marc.
Sylvia says
Thank you for your wonderful post about motivation. I lost my “mojo” a year ago when everything in my life went to hell. At this time, I’m desperately trying to get it back. Reading your email messages on a daily basis has helped me try a little harder every day. Little by little, I’m feeling like my old self again. It will take some time to fully experience how I used to be, but at least I feel that I’m doing something about my attitude.
Danny says
It is not the messages so much as it is the humanity you share. A reminder that even if we feel alone and empty we share in so much with others.
That evenings looking at my own personal issues on paper seemed so isolated an experience, yes it was the start of a note to justify my exiting this life.
So the sun is going to rise tomorrow for me and a lot of hopeful people who share in so much.
Thank you for your valuable kindness.
Jayne says
What remarkable stories these are. After reading them I determined I could relate to so many of them in someway or another. If not personally, but through others that have. The feeling was powerful and much needed when I was reminded that life is a precious gift worth fighting for and to share with others.
Thank you and God Bless you both for your devoted work.
christine says
Number 21, just because it doesn’t last doesn’t mean it wasn’t worthwhile – brilliant. I’ve been felling very sad for the last few months over losses in my life, but this reminded me of how lucky I’ve been to experience the things I have. Thanks, you keep my going.
Charrie says
“Don’t waste your energy fighting over against where you are. Invest your energy into getting where you want to go”
This line struck me the most and its very timely too. The moment I got your email about feeling demotivated I read it immediately. I have a thing with trying to move out from a situation that no longer makes me happy. I’ve been trying to keep it positive and happy but it was all temporary. A lot of people I care about told me I have changed. I thought so too since I’ve been crying over the same thing over and over again. I dont feel excited anymore but yes I still try to recreate myself and focus on where I want to go. But I keep holding on to fear. Reading this made me remember the good stuff about life. I’ve been feeling like Im not good enough for anything and keep reminiscing how I used to be. I guess I really have to focus on where I want to go rather than constantly battling in this place for the fear that I wont find anything better. So yeah thank you for the stories, its a good reminder to get out of my head and remember the beautiful little things that makes you feel grateful.
Dzifa says
Thank you so much for these stories. Some had me tearing up after realizing I have given up on so many things in life. Number 21 made me think twice. But it goes a long way to tell us that everyone has problems, the difference is how we react to them; No matter what happens,keep moving…You’d never know when you’d make that impact.
JILL says
It’s not what life throws at us that shapes us.
It’s how we react to it.
Rengelle says
Funny thing about synchronicities: Stories #9 (my birthday month) & #18 (1st letter of my forename) resonated with me the most as a newly single mum. I deeply appreciate you sharing these actual experiences which gave me a measure of comfort at my current situation and a hopeful future—despite and inspite of…
Nthabeleng says
Your posts have gotten me through the most difficult phases of my life. I’m thankful for the emails and know that your work does make a difference.
Aloun Ndombet-Assamba says
This is one day when I am grateful for this post/email. I woke up feeling low and said to myself I will not work today because I do not feel like it. But then I remembered that I am self employed now and if I do not work I do not earn! So I pushed myself to sit at my computer and this was the first email I opened.
I have a lot to be thankful for as I contracted Covid 19 and was sick for the entire month of March. So many persons I knew died from it but I did not. So I wake up every day thankful to be alive. I am thankful today but just felt like not working. even though I have many things to do.
Thnk you for these stories.
Donna Sue Sharp says
Several stories in this list caused me to stop and catch my breath. The love of the husband proposing, the child who just wanted to make sure they were all moving together, these are stories of love. No matter what we go through God can give us eyes to see the love we either give or get. That in itself can carry your heart a very long way for years & years. Bringing you back to a place of joy.
Patty Whelan says
Thank you so much for this article! I was feeling exactly the same today, not knowing what to do first, feeling so overwhelmed, I was procrastinating by checking my email for the umpteenth time. I’m now going to get up, get dressed and just tackle one chore at s time! I’m not in the terrible bad place my mind and depression were trying to convince me I was, I’m doing really ok these days! What resonated was the tip,
“Don’t waste your energy fighting against where you are. Invest your energy into getting to where you want to go. Let go of everything from the past that does not serve you, and just be grateful it brought you to where you are now—to this new beginning.”
When I read it I thought, I’m going to go write this on my white board on the fridge to remind me to keep moving forward!
Thank you to God for putting you in my path this morning! ??
Perla milner says
Will definitely SAVE this one!!!!! Thank you for sharing and making so many of us realize what life is really all about!! Always hoping to meet you both personally and attending your seminars in the near future. Much love always??
Jose Aranas says
Dear Angel, your email just came at the right time. I feel drained too with work and my community life. One step at a time as Princess Anna of Frozen 2 reminds us too. Story #13 made me remember a similar experience. I am a single-lay-religious worker/missionary with privates vows for the missions. At times, I feel depress not having my own family and I have been serving different communities. I am also a song-writer, story-writer and frustrated Social media influencer with very minimal views in YouTubes. One time I received a message in FB that a well-known Mother Superior of a Monastery was listening to my recorded song in YouTube and she likes it very much that she got crazy with the song, asking for a musical score of my song. Your thoughts and articles have served me very much in this time of pandemic. It helped me go through in these darks times. Thanks to you and Marc
Jennifer says
“…a neat bit of synchronicity arrived in my email inbox…” – Angel
This quote from you will always reside with me because I received this blog post from you today at just the right moment in my inbox. I had just declined a job offer that I’m still not entirely sure was the right decision. This is because I want to pursue a lifelong dream of creating art and I’ll never know if I don’t try. This and other posts give me the motivation and resilience to keep pushing forward. Thank you. Always, thank you!
Hariet says
Today it was like i am in an empty path, seemed a lot is at a halt in my life..
But i am going to stay hopeful and fight to atleast get up each day and push it till something better comes upfront.
Thank you so much for the email,the motivating stories and heartfelt comments they were really helpful!
Pinkie says
your stories give me hope, thank you!